and then we’re alone.

Codename: Childe ─ Tartaglia

untrustworthy, sadistic, enigmatic

Wherever danger heads, he follows. Always caught pursuing after the severity of a situation with a killer drive for bloodshed; Tartaglia, a stepping stone for La Signora in order to achieve greatness for their people, the eleventh and youngest harbinger - remains rather relaxed for someone in his daunting position. You’ve been warned about his reputation plenty. By the people you surround yourself with, close friends, allies, even the culprit himself. He’s typically straight-forward, blunt to a fault; never tries to hide the fact that he shall remain your enemy until the very end. Perhaps their end, or the world’s; only time would tell. Maybe that’s why you feel constantly threatened on and off the battlefield, forever on edge by the feel of his dominating presence, and bestowed another one of his vigilant grins. They don’t seem genuine at all. Every action of his strikes you the wrong way. Then again, you don’t know him well enough to make dire assumptions. Why don’t you let him have an opportunity to tie loose ends?

Find out personally what exactly makes one so.. despicable.

He scares you for one, isn’t actively trying to at that. But don’t you enjoy the thrill, that exhilarating feeling running rampantly through your veins? There is fear in pleasure, and pleasure in fear. If you keep on giving him those frightened expressions, trembling even at a single glance of him, he might just do something you won’t enjoy. No, he will. The real question is when, and what. You’re provoking him with your apprehension, but you’ll never know until it’s too late to fully prevent. An enemy’s distress is the best stimulate, after all. Pupils began to dilate and his breathing gets even heavier - a surge of adrenaline rushes in blood, an addicting drug indeed.

His eyes are empty. They’re so dull, dead, a bottomless pit of nullity. You feel as if you’re peering right into the depths of the ocean when facing him; the deep, terrifying abyss full of exciting wonders, and dark secrets dying to be unveiled. Rest assured, he holds no semblance of hatred towards you, or your objectives, or your role in this battle. Rather than hatred, it seems as if Tartaglia has some sort of fondness for you. A twisted one. He wants to have you in a different way than how he had other things in his life, in a monopolizing sense. What is there that money can’t truly buy? Let him know. He’ll prove to you that with both riches and authority, anything can be obtainable. If those aren’t successful, then there’s always force. A personal favorite.

And it is you that he wants.

For the beginning, he expects for you to try and escape. Leaving openings, opportunities, staging everything to make it seem like this was him being uncharacteristically careless and not him being the ghost writer of this sick play. You’re just like an adorable bunny, keen on scampering away with a rabid hunter on your tail. Running for safety. It’s cute that you think freedom is a choice, but he'd entertain that thought until it forcibly departs your mind. Do know at the end of a tiresome week of playing hide and seek non-stop, you’ll be dragged by the hair back to where you rightfully belong. And at some point he’ll get sick of the continuous chase, tightening ropes that burned through your pretty skin in order to contain prey.

His world is centered around his lovely family. They are his everything and will remain so till the ends of this universe. You‘ll be introduced to them the moment you two elope, willingly or not. From all the letters and gifts he sends to them weekly through mail, they are just dying to meet their beloved family-in-law. Well, soon-to-be. No need to scare you off like that. They’re simply praying is all because whoever Tartaglia is head over heels for must be a wonderful person! That’s their son! You don’t want to get their hopes up, right? You’re such a sweet person by the sound of it - why wouldn’t they want another addition to their huge family. If anything, you’d be able to expand their tree with you and his future offsprings. Their family is known for having quite the quantity, there is no limit to how many members they can have!

No pressure on you. Not at all!

It is only a matter of time until he wishes for his very own family to spoil. But of course, Tartaglia can’t complete that burning desire without you, his all-so willing partner. Wouldn’t it be harmonious for your home to be filled with mini versions of the two of you, kids that have been created / adopted on the whims of passion? He’d cherish every single one of them, no favoritism in mind. They will all receive the same treatment to avoid potential jealousy. And what could be better than coming home after a long day of work, being swarmed by rambunctious children coming from all directions tending to the giddy bunch, then peppering you, his trained lover, in all sorts of kisses. A dream not too far away with advanced planning.

Plus, you’d feel more inclined to never leave him. 

Vago Mundo ─ Zhongli

practical, stern, traditional

A wise, melancholic vessel of the Geo Archon, Morax - stepping down casually from the throne and retiring his burdensome position as one of the Seven, instead, becoming an consultant of the Wangsheng Funeral Parlor wanting to view life as a content mortal, no different than the rest. Zhongli harbors no regrets. The people of Liyue has the persistence, the patience, the prosperity to rebuild their society without a Godly figure constantly watching over their shoulders. It’s time for a change, and by the looks of it, they are holding on just fine. He knows this decision of his could be considered risky to his peers, careless even, but it had to be done later than never. This is a new age. A chance for humanity to showcase how adapting is purely nature. Isn’t it about time for him to finally let go of these heavy responsibilities? Enjoy the world for what it has become, not bound to a single spot - a restricting title.

Love is a peculiar subject. Affecting the body, the mind, and the very soul of all creatures alike. Having lived a thousand and many more years, through plenty of wars and dramatic alterations in society, Zhongli’s knowledge naturally precedes most scaring historians. Whenever he tells you a story, it is also a lesson you should take at heart. Why not keep these solemn tales in mind when making hard-hitting decisions, or even better, let him determine them for you? Aren’t they too exhausting for someone as precious as you to handle, taking a huge toll on your mental health and body. Do not worry any more. He’s here, ready to take these heavy responsibilities off your swollen shoulders. Just give in, don’t resist.

He knows what is best for you after all, his cherished human. Precious things are to be protected. Why do you try to deny such fact? There is no shame in showing one’s vulnerability, there is power in that. Furthermore, those born with the gift of potent strength have a definitive duty to fulfill, one to take to their grave (if there is one): to shield the weak. To those he holds dear now, they will be protected respectively at all costs or else there is no objective left. Zhongli’s made it his last purpose. If there is ever a time where he loses you abruptly at his hands, then he has failed. As your guardian, as your savior, and as your lover.

You will be wed to him whenever possible. There is no room for arguments or ‘childish’ protests. You are incapable of everything in his caution-filled eyes, you have no say in this. Marriage is an obligation; a paperless contract between two star-crossed lovers; a bond that will never be severed, not even in death. Breaking the sacred vow is breaking the contract and Zhongli spites those who can’t abide by those simple terms that they agreed to respect. That goes for you too. He really doesn’t want to lay a hand on you in an inappropriate way. It’s improper, but there are times when you purposely act up for attention, he thinks. A punishment is in order. Whether it’ll have you on your sore knees in the everlasting dark, counting the dreadful hours that went by, or you bent over his knee, counting the embarrassing spankings on your sore bum. Tame compared to most, but does enough damage to one’s pride.

Tears run rampant as you hiccuped uncontrollably, unable to completely grasp the fact that Zhongli had spanked you as if you were a child. You’re clutching onto his pants, bunching it up in your sore palms trying to find balance.

My apologies, dear. My aim was to not make you cry, but repent. I am hoping this will remediate that fire, yes?

This is in best interests, believe him.

Regarding the heartfelt ceremony of the wedding, your immediate family can be invited as well as close friends he’s personally checked on. He has a way with words: diplomatic, articulate, compelling. They’ll be swayed in minutes before they know it, confident that their sweet, sweet [Name] has found a rational, reliable partner. That you’re in good hands. This way, they won’t have to ever worry for the near future, your future. Their trust in your now declared husband is astounding. You can’t help but feel that their faith is larger in him than you. And maybe, maybe there is some truth in that. All that constant pampering starts to mess with your head at some point, according to plan.

He wants you to essentially be a house partner. To be comfortable at home and not have to be bothered by bothersome factors such as work, paranoia, and more. Bound by invisible chains, to complete some chores around the house, and never leave the premise without proper guidance. You should be completely compliant is all Zhongli asks. It is simply your duty now that you’ve become his. The ring around your finger proves it, there are no loopholes out of this. Although, rather than a house partner you feel more like a spoiled house pet if anything. Not a bad thing entirely, but having to depend on someone for everything is an inconvenience. You are an adult, you can do these things by yourself. 

And he will never accept that fact.

Driving Thunder ─ Keqing

obsessive, hesitant, worshipper

Idealistic, influential, stubborn - these are wonderful traits a Yuheng must have in order to go about their position in power. Of course, with such authority comes high expectations, those from her lineage and from the woman herself. Keqing has a strong sense for independence, never wanting to rely on others; stuck in a constant state of mental isolation. Indeed, humans are creatures who naturally depend on each other, that part is true, but it doesn’t hurt to be cautious and withdrawn than to be kind and careless. People often steer clear from her path, her personality and demeanor being the cause of that. That is an expectation. A life like this ensures that no one gets hurt, and she’s satisfied with that. 

But you’ve proven yourself to be just as stubborn, earning a suitable place right beside her.

Can she really fall in love, at a time like this? Is there space in her tightly packed schedule to dedicate herself to someone, heart and soul? All difficult questions, one that cannot be answered without the reason of her doubts. And so on a lonely night, bringing you to a place void of noises, distractions; you, the stars, her - she asks solemnly, doubt plaguing the mind. I have a brief confession to make, something catches in her throat. Is it uneasiness, or soon-to-be regret? Nevertheless, Keqing continues, albeit with a sprinkle of hesitancy, a formal, stiff confession like she’s reading off a work manual and it makes you laugh, naturally throwing her off-guard.

Your answer is an even greater shock. Smiling ear-to-ear, exchanging your own reciprocated feelings - and her heart is full.

It’s a distraction. An escape from the cruel clutches of this damned world, a personal safe haven she can return to every night. Being with you is akin to breathing, to existing. She feels extremely relieved within your presence, like there’s been a huge burden removed and that gives her all the more reason to never slack off in anything, striving for the impossible even. You motivate her to do greater things; to never disappoint anyone, never fail her tasks. Perhaps this is a positive change in her life, or a pressuring matter. Either way, she has no plan on avoiding this feeling now, facing it head on. 

Relationships, intimate relationships - is an area not of her expertise. She hardly knows how to coincide with others for work, forget anything more than strained partnerships. A touch from you is enough for her barrier to fall apart, that mental fortitude she’d built all these lonely years doesn’t hold up too well. Always having these eternal doubts, wondering if you’re truly okay with someone so inexperienced, emotionally immature, awkward. You’ll always have to remind her that you won’t have it any other way. Do keep in mind that you won’t be able to see her as much. That too pains Keqing, but it’s doable. Then again, an active traveler has the same issue as well. It’s a good thing the two of you are mature enough to not depend on each other’s presence, else there be chaos. 

Shopping is a nice hobby of hers, a good amount of change in her pocket to spend without sparing a thought. It’s a relaxing way to past time before having to return to excruciatingly long duties. Keqing will now have someone in mind when browsing through shops in her free time. In a way, you’re on the same stage as Rex Lapis. She idolizes you, but in a different way. A more obsessive light. It doesn’t spiral out of control until she finds herself surrounded with tons of trinkets, custom miniature statues, anything that is a reminder of you and it terrifies her down to the very core. You can’t know about this.

You’ll hate her if you do.

Eclipsing Star ─ Ningguang

monopolizing, calculative, cunning

There is an affluent businesswoman on the loose, a person who acts keenly on money. The Tianquan of the Seven Stars for that matter, a part of those who are responsible for governing Liyue - specializing in commerce and trade sectors among greedy merchants. Ningguang is the physical embodiment of law and order. Her pose holds lots of conviction, strength - even a feel of her overwhelming presence strikes deterrence in others, daring for them to cross her. Though she is raring for someone courageous to challenge this power. It has been getting increasingly boring these days. At some point, trouble will arise.

And it is you who has enraptured all interest.

Mora is never going to be an issue. Everything can be yours if you’ll surrender all that you are, and become hers. An object of her affection, or an unhealthy possession. Many contenders would start a war to be in that spot. They would abandon all morality in order for a small chance with her, they’ll do anything, moral or not. It’s a one in a lifetime offer, the jackpot essentially. Who in their right mind would decline? Someone not sound, maybe - refuse, and she’d have to move onto more... unconventional methods. Ningguang doesn’t preferably want to play the bad guy but, you started this. Wonderful. Could be some dirt she dug up about your cloudy past, or a sweet threat with a cunning smile etched onto her pretty face. Either works because you have nothing to challenge that for you are just a simple traveler, a foreigner who knows nothing of this harsh, ugly world. The safest, rational decision is to yield than to become an enemy of an entire nation.

You will give up in due time.

Once you do, Ningguang won’t hesitate to spoil you in treasures, mountains of them. Only the best of the best deserves such luxury. Name anything the hungry heart desires, you’ll have it all as long as there is obedience in store. She’s a very occupied individual. You see her assistants more than you do see her which is why she stresses on not causing unnecessary trouble for them. You are better than that. Even so, acting up once in a while when she is present won’t bother her as much. There shall be times where you need to be put in place. It’s a given. She’ll gladly train silly brats like you, considering it to be a rare hobby - even if it has you shining her expensive golden heels with that pretty little tongue of yours, slobbering drool all over it until she is satisfied. What a divine sight.

You can be compared to a priceless trophy stored along with the rest of her untouchable belongings in the new and improved Jade Chamber. Your impressive skills won’t matter, they are of no use to anyone anymore - declared rightfully so. Not that there’s a chance where you’re allowed out of the place without proper supervision. No more exploring for was once the famous traveler. Prove that you can be trustworthy, and maybe you’ll be allowed to accompany her on business excursions. You’ll be dressed in the most expensive garments the world has ever laid eyes on, not to forget an elegant choker to show off and flaunt priceless property. Since she has a reputation to withhold among fellow entrepreneurs, do not dare embarrass her. 

On that note, you’ll be appointed important jobs on these excursions (when allowed permission). A personal servant, a devoted follower, or a beloved older sibling to the restless kids roaming the blocks aimlessly, desperate for some form of entertainment. Nothing too straining to the body nor mind. Just light tasks to keep one stimulated, grounded because boredom is a common enemy and Ningguang isn’t known for being cruel without reason. Consider this a minor reward. It’s the least she can allow if your behavior proves to be no problem. Surely you enjoy being let out from the extravagant cage from time-to-time, your wings haven’t been taken. Don’t give her a chance to.

She has eyes everywhere. Connections, networks, even the children (who the woman deeply worries for) are enticed into telling her about every single detail that plays out on the streets. Locally more specifically, but who is to say she doesn’t have contacts hidden elsewhere? Money can bring out the monsters in men. Information pertaining a loose, silly mouse can be bought without much issue, barely leaving a dent in her well-earned wealth. And an official hunt is declared sparking interest in everyone. They wouldn’t want to miss out on a chance of earning Ningguang’s favor. A slim chance they’ll take, there’s nothing a loose traveler can offer.

Biting the hand that feeds you.

She smiles, pipe adjusted in her pricy hands for some comfort.

I must not have taught you well enough for you to be acting up like this.

Uncrowned Lord of the Ocean ─ Beidou

boisterous, delusional, proud

Eccentric, loud, loved. When people think of the vast ocean, they think of Captain Beidou bathing in all of the praise and glory admirers bestow. And who can forget the passionate roars deriving from a loyal armed crew? Always ready to gallantly serve till death, vowing to teach those who dare talk ill of their precious leader because what do these outsiders claim to know? As far as her informal title states, the thunderous blade she wields has been said to slice through many beasts terrorizing the waters; the cause of the crashing waves that rush up against each other, the one who parts thy sea - or at least, that’s what many stories entailed to draw in new crowds from all sorts of places.

Make judgement after you join one of their journeys. They’re long, but satisfactory, and that’s a promise.

A tiny, pitiful sail boat comes into view through the looking glass of one of her crew-mates. They’ll shout from above bursting their own eardrums, informing those below on deck about the current situation. How concerning. The weather today is not in anyone’s favor, throwing anything and anyone that resides in its indisputable rage. A sailor’s nightmare. A manifestation of what humankind has done to the beautiful ocean, polluting it with their own greed, their own filth, desecrating Mother nature. Fortunately, severe storms aren’t enough to deter their contagious perseverance for the Crux has been built with stability in mind. Can the same be said for that poor stranger’s steed? You’re clutching desperately onto a flimsy paddle battling against violent currents, praying for a return more so than your own safety.

Doesn’t take long for them to steer the opposite way out of compassion, coaxing you into abandoned that makeshift boat. You weren’t going to get far with that, you both know that.

Welcome aboard, new friend! The sea is considered home, and you’re going to adapt to life on the renowned ship whether you like it or not. She’s clueless to your troubles... drowning them all out with her own happy delusions. Genuinely believing that you’ve gone lost from a herd and need someone to lead the way back or take in. Lucky, lucky sheep. Good thing you’ve ran into her out of all things. There are many different kinds of folks out there. She can assure you that they won’t be as friendly as her. Perhaps devious, taking you in as a bounded hostage, forcing you to hand over everything and anything that is considered worthy in their insatiable eyes. And that could include you.

But is this not the same?

The subordinates keeps a keen eye out for you. They’re inclined to, anyways. An unspoken principle amongst men regarding you to be a part of them. Anyone that Beidou approves of is immediately their friend, their longtime pal - making sure that you don’t feel left out from their lively shenanigans - which is why slipping out of their tightening crutches seemed near impossible. Staying indoors is boorish (unless for good reason), they hardly leave you alone to bask in your own thoughts. There’s another member, a temporary one, that’s the most threatening out of the bunch. A stare that burns through the back of your head, recording every movement made to report back to His boss if suspicious.

In summary—someone’s always watching.

She’s very direct about her passionate affection. Pulling you into a bone crushing hug everyday to start off a productive morning, ready to sprawl down the marked map over a table and sail towards their next destination in hopes of fishing for a brand new adventure. Love overflows. From heart-sick eyes and onto her beating chest, smothering the helpless newbie trapped in an vice-like grip. Good intentions; horrible execution. Discomfort lays doormat on your face as you’re greeted in kisses, Beidou has never acknowledged it. To you, she is your friendly kidnapper. And to her, you’re her precious soulmate.

There is no need to reciprocate.

Rest assured, her overwhelming strength is never directed towards you. Using physical force against loved ones is a line that should never be crossed no matter the circumstance. Beidou is a leader, not a ruler. They follow directions out of admiration and respect. Fear should only be imprinted within cruel enemies and enemy you are not, but an interest. If there’s a continuous struggle still going on, then you’ll simply be bounded, locked tight in her vast bedroom for a week max. I know, she soothes the hysterical you, the sea isn’t meant for everyone. In time, you’ll eventually find yourself breathing in water more than air - her patience never running thin.

Forever, she waits.

Chivalric Blossom ─ Noelle

obsessive, devoted, worshipper

Overworked, overwhelmed, and still willing to give everything to Mondstadt; a self-sacrificing principle to be followed until multi-universes start to cave in. Noelle plays a huge component in the Knight of Favonius. She’s a maid with knightly duties, tasked with the burdens of extremely needy citizens yanking the hems of her dress desperately for favors. Any issue, problem, or concern that resurfaces in the land of freedom is easily handled - if it hasn’t already been resolved by Jean who’s equally troubled in selflessness. Though none of them ever complain but smile proudly, sleepiness pulling at their eyelids. Her preparations for these operations are almost too perfect, as if her life was solely created to simply serve and nothing else.

That’s all she’ll ever know.

The moment you are deemed important is the moment she becomes your exclusive maid. She’ll always make time for you especially, popping up at the most convenient times making you question whether or not it was all a coincidence. Impressive.. until these encounters become too often to be written off as chance and too creepy to be excused. Her ‘kindness’, excessive in inconceivable ways, can be a huge burden on your psyche. You’ll always feel like you owe the maiden affection in return because of how much she sacrifices for you, how she’ll do anything - just ask - for you. It’s very kind but she’s your dearest partner and not your maid. You hate seeing her slave away with a blissful smile; a doormat for others to trample on, to take advantage of. You almost hate her for it, but that’s a rather harsh word.

But don’t you know? Your problems are hers. The more work, the better it is - might Lisa add. No matter how straining or tough these jobs may get, the task at hand will be completed. Always. A promise, one the young woman might even take to a humble little grave if not kept properly tight. She prioritizes labor more than she does herself. When someone calls out her famous name in dire desperation, it makes Noelle feel needed, like she’s worth something. That life chose her. Worrying is the last thing to do. Isn’t there supposed to be trust in a relationship? Duty will be fulfilled. Nothing more, nothing less. Just as it should be, and not as it should not be.

You can leave absolutely everything to me

With a hand over a golden heart, Noelle pleads an oath. You don’t find it in you to disregard her persistence. Hold back the discomfort momentarily, don't ruin the mood.

Every single detail regarding you will be noted at the back of her head. It’s only natural as a devoted friend keeping track of any events, activities, or commissions you have in the near future. Sort of like a personal calendar, or an enthusiastic advisor (that probably stalks it’s client without their knowing) - she takes on too many identities to properly list. All accurate titles when describing an unhealthy lifestyle to depend on. You’d even start to purposely hide any information in fear of adding more to the crowded table. And somehow, some reason, they’ll eventually be discovered. With determination, she can do everything.

Sometimes when you’re out and about, perhaps busy with a commission or two to fetch extra pocket money, Noelle finds herself (illegally) entering your quarters every now and then. Tidying up the kitchen, dusting cabinets, picking up extremely private things - everything. She never tells you about this habit because she thinks it’s unnecessary. Who doesn’t love a spotless environment. That, and the familiar scent of you is comforting on a tough, pressuring day. Another way of venting. Coming home to an orderly house knowing it was left in shambles stresses you out. Whose work could have this possibly been? ... As if this needs any asking. Try to confront the culprit. They’ll only smile benignly, then ignore.

Be careful with your words. They hold a ton of impact. So much so, when you snap at her by accident and the porcelain teacup slips from battered fingertips along with her bandaged heart, shattering, scattering all over the ground and she drops onto her padded knees desperately trying to put the fallen pieces back together - everything clashes. She made you upset. She made you angry. Everything was for naught. You’re uncomfortable and you hate her for that. Shields began to break and Noelle’s hunched over on the filthy ground, rightfully so, begging for forgiveness through rushed breaths.

If she is of no use to you, then what can she possibly provide for the world?

Harmless Sweetie ─ Sucrose

timid, curious, paranoid

A clumsy assistant, not to mention the head alchemist of the Knights of Favonius, who is also working under a lonesome prodigy, finds themselves overwhelmed. Mixing, testing, and accidentally dropping concoctions from left to right in an unorganized, colorful lab - Sucrose proves to be more than just a subordinate, but a humbled genius. Wanting to help her reserved boss in his magnificent endeavors whilst satisfying her own curiosities regarding life, with him providing insight of his own at times. There’s just so many things to be discovered scattered all over the globe, across Mondstadt, Sumeru, Teyvat - universes even. Knowledge is endless. You can never run out of topics to discuss, theories to test, inquiries to lose sleep over.

That is the main appeal of science.

You’re too nice. Uncomfortably so. Patience rivaling a Saint’s, allowing her to navigate through frequent stutters, eventually finding room to safely voice any thoughts she’s been concealing for ages now, allowing alleviation to flow. A shining light glimmers in round bright eyes as your attention solidifies on her, the center of your world, eager to hang onto every word that spills from a hesitant mouth. No one’s paid this much vigilance to incomprehensible rambling. Bio-alchemy of all things. It’s almost a little too intimidating getting a taste of someone’s attentiveness for the first time. A drastic change in a tight schedule...

Not an unwelcome one.

Someone who spends their time isolated in a messy room, passionate only about their work leads to one major issue: Socializing. Sucrose is awkward. She knows this by heart. There are too many factors that play into having successful conversations. You have to keep note of the flow, their (often indecipherable) feelings, the mood of the situation - so overwhelming. Humans are complicated to understand because of their mind and that fact interests as much as it exhausts her. Perhaps there’s beauty in uncharted things.. It just gets the blood pumping, determined to improve one of many weaknesses.

She just has to try a little harder.

You’ll receive daily checks up. She is not a certified doctor, nor a nurse. Still, Sucrose insists, surprisingly confident about her abilities. Medical comprehension isn’t too far from her current field, she wants a bit of practice. Is it wrong to look after a dear companion, anyways? Have some faith. This is an examination and not one of many strange experiments. Rest assured, you are safe. Always. Her ungloved hands may tremble in anticipation, her breath may waver a couple times - it won’t take away the fact that she knows what she is doing. With delicate fingers brushing amongst your sensitive stomach lightly, hesitant and careful, hooked on this sinful moment.

The feeling of another human’s skin is enthralling. 

Insatiable, her constantly growing curiosity that is. When you first became acquaintances after a swift little meeting Sucrose harbored a strong desire to figure out everything about you. Your interests and your dreams. Your strengths and your weaknesses. Your fears and your thoughts. Clinically picking apart a magnificent brain (figuratively, and there might be some truth in literally wanting to do so), studying what exactly makes you, you. This isn’t something that anyone can answer but evidence. A bit of stalking at an appropriate distance will not hurt either party. Like examining an animal in their natural habitat keeping note of any abnormalities.. not that she’s implying that you are one.

Nothing can truly be considered safe. Anything can hurt and kill you. Paranoia climbs up her spine drilling itself excessively into a brilliant mind. Filling them up in all sorts of horrid scenarios - which are all nothing short of Death. A pessimist, more so than an optimist, try to understand where this uncertainty comes from. Experience, maybe, or a premonition that comes in the form of a cruel nightmare with her jolting up covered in cold sweat, checking beside her frantically in fear that it was in fact, not a dream. So when Sucrose begs for you to not leave refusing to let go you’ll have no choice but to cave.

Safety before happiness.

Vigilant Yaksha ─ Xiao

withdrawn, protective, apathetic

A reserved adeptus who oversees Liyue silently from afar, completely loyal to a designated Archon, always ready to serve even if the person in question has already abandoned their troubling duties. Conqueror of Demons - Xiao bares the responsibility alone as what remains of the Yakshas, the only one that hasn’t completely fallen prey to corruption. It eats them up from the inside, devouring everything that was human, leaving nothing short of a shell. These agonizing memories forever haunt him, these faults are to wither with him and hopefully no one will be left to share an ill-fated story. At any rate, him the pestilence, excluded.

He will honor the contract implicitly.

Monsters are meant to stay in the dark. They thrive off inconspicuous places where light doesn’t dare shine. Hidden, invisible to the eyes of oblivious mortals going about their daily lives, caught up in a constant state of autonomy. Living carelessly in some made up utopia in their heads ignoring the darkness looming over their shoulders is strange. Same can be said about their customs, their culture, - Xiao will never understand. There is no need to. His tasks can be accomplished without the need to hardly interact with man, merely protect.

Constant belittling on every mistake you make, minor and major. An inefficient way of showing affection, the only way he knows how to express this gnawing concern excavating into an oppressive chest knocking the air out of strained lungs. It’s a fat parasite, leeching off his sanity and once the vessel has been emptied who will be held at fault? Him considering he’s allowing this to take control or the traveler, an oblivious instigator.

It just takes and takes. 

Hah? Dare say that again. It is not fondness. It is not love that keeps him around insolent human. It is but an obligation. You’re his redemption. You’re his last chance at atonement. It won’t erase the sins etched in his wretched soul, just soothe.

Do not be stubborn. Speak his name if things don’t go well. You are strong, not invincible. Even Xiao knows when to give up. It’s not being strong that helped humanity survive for so long, but being reasonable. Mortals are familiar with adapting. He supposes they have no choice. When faced with immense danger they’ll flee in alarm, naturally, coming up with more ways to approach the situation. You don’t, dashing towards the source of panic wanting a taste of the fun. A small part of him figures if you’re so keen on testing the blurred lines between life and death, then he might as well finish the job to avoid further heartache. Death remains unavoidable. History confirms this. You can’t escape it, only delay it.

Sooner or later, you will feel the wrath of his pain.

Your exposed neck tempts him when you doze off with not a care in the world. Envy bites at his nape. At your carelessness, at your privileges because Xiao can’t ever afford to rest. When his eyes shut for a second he sees them.

You’ll leave anyways..